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THE  BABEES'  BOOK 


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THE  BABEES'  BOOK 

MEDIEVAL    MANNERS    FOR 
THE    YOUNG 


DONE  INTO  MODERN  ENGLISH  FROM 

DR.  FURNIVALL'S  TEXTS  BY 

EDITH  RICKERT 


NEW  YORK 

PRIVATELY   PRINTED 

CHRISTMAS  1913 


DEDICATED  TO 
E.   T.    F. 

AND 

E.  T.  F. 


A  Matter  of  Manners 

IN  this  present  day^when  chivalry  has  achieved 
at  last  its  perfect  bloom^  it  is  hard  to  realize 
that  but  a  scant  four  centuries  ago  the  children 
of  even  the  very  best  families  in  England  had 
to  be  taught  their  table  manners. 

Today  the  graces  of  deportment  come  by  nature 
to  our  youth ;  and  the  generation  that  has  pro- 
duced the  immortal  Rollo^  can  not  comprehend 
the  rude  manners  of  the  ^^bela  babee,'  or  beauti- 
ful well-born  boy  of  ^een  Elizabeth's  time. 

O,  temporal  O,  mores!  How  the  times 
change  and  manners  multiply  I  But  throughout 
the  centuries — on  the  lengthening  road  of  which 
we  shall  plant  another  milestone  presently  with 
feasting  and  merry-making — good  manners  and 
bad  have  ever  gone  hand  in  hand.  And  ever  has 
he  of  the  mind  conscious  of  virtue  looked  smugly 
down  on  the  artless  and  indifferent  vulgarian, 

'-^The  Babees  Book^'  from  which  some  quaint 
extracts  are  here  reprinted^  is  from  old  Dr, 
Furnivairs  collection  of^^Divers  treaties  touch- 
ing the  Manners  and  Meals  of  Englishmen  in 


former  days''  It  gives  a  moving  picture  of  the 
domestic  life  of  the  Middle  Ages.  The  present 
translation  out  of  the  archaic  language  of  the 
Fifteenth  Century  into  intelligible  English  has 
been  made  by  Edith  Rickert^  who  seems  to  have 
preserved  with  skill  and  fidelity  the  spirit  and 
form  of  the  antiquated  original. 

It  will  perhaps  amuse  the  good  little  Rollo  of 
today  to  know  just  how  his  ancient  cousin  was 
taught  to  behave  at  table ;  and  it  will  interest 
his  elders  to  observe  that  the  fundamental  basis 
of  good  manners  lay  then  as  now  in  cleanliness , 
self  respect y  reverence  and  consideration  for  the 
feelings  of  others, 

C,  M,  F, 

Christmas  ipij. 


THE  BABEES'  BOOK 

OR 

A  LITTLE  REPORT  OF  HOW  YOUNG  PEOPLE 
SHOULD  BEHAVE 

MAY  He  who  formed  mankind  in  His 
image,  support  me  while  I  turn  this 
treatise  out  of  Latin  into  my  common  lan- 
guage, that  through  this  little  comment  all 
of  tender  years  may  receive  instruction  in 
courtesy  and  virtue. 

Facet  saith  that  the  Book  of  Courtesy  to 
teach  the  practice  of  virtue  is  the  most  help- 
ful thing  in  the  world,  so  I  will  not  shrink 
from  this  labour  or  refuse  it;  but  for  mine 
own  learning  will  say  something  that  touches 
upon  the  matter. 

But  oh,  young  babies,  whom  blood  royal 
hath  endowed  with  grace,  comeliness,  and 
high  ability,  it  is  on  you  I  call  to  know  this 
book,  for  it  were  great  pity  but  that  ye  added 
to  sovereign  beauty  virtue  and  good  manners. 
Therefore  I  speak  to  you  specially,  and  not 


to  old  men  expert  in  governance,  decorum, 
and  honest  manners,  for  what  need  is  to  give 
pangs  to  Hell,  joy  to  Heaven,  water  to  the 
sea,  or  heat  to  fire  already  hot  ? 

And  so,  young  babies,  my  book  is  only 
for  your  instruction;  wherefore  I  pray  that 
no  man  reprehend  it,  but  amend  it  where  it 
is  at  fault,  and  judge  it  not,  for  your  own 
sake.  I  seek  no  other  reward  but  that  it  may 
please  men  and  give  you  some  ease  in  learn- 
ing. Also,  sweet  children,  if  there  be  in  it 
any  word  that  ye  ken  not,  speer  while  ye 
may,  and  when  ye  know  it,  bear  it  in  mind ; 
and  so  by  asking  you  may  learn  of  wise  men. 
Also,  think  not  too  strangely  that  my  pen 
writes  in  this  metre ;  for  such  verse  is  com- 
monly used,  therefore  take  heed. 

And  first  of  all,  I  think  to  show  how  you 
babies  who  dwell  in  households,  should  'have 
yourselves  when  ye  be  set  at  meat,  and  how 
when  men  bid  you  be  merry,  you  should  be 
ready  with  lovely,  sweet  and  benign  words. 
In  this,  aid  me,  O  Mary,  Mother  Revered; 
and  eke,  O  lady  mine,  Facetia,  guide  thou 
my  pen  and  show  unto  me  help.  For  as  A 
is  the  first  of  all  letters,  so  art  thou  mother 

[12] 


of  all  virtue.  Have  pity,  sweet  lady,  of  my 
lack  of  wit,  and  though  untaught  I  speak  of 
demeanour,  support  my  ignorance  with  thy 
goodly  aid. 

Ah,  "bele  babees,"  hearken  now  to  my  lore. 

When  you  enter  your  lord's  place,  say 
"God  speed,"  and  with  humble  cheer  greet 
all  who  are  there  present.  Do  not  rush  in 
rudely,  but  enter  with  head  up  and  at  an  easy 
pace,  and  kneel  on  one  knee  only  to  your 
lord  or  sovereign,  whichever  he  be. 

If  any  speak  to  you  at  your  coming,  look 
straight  at  them  with  a  steady  eye,  and  give 
good  ear  to  their  words  while  they  be  speak- 
ing ;  and  see  to  it  with  all  your  might  that 
ye  jangle  not,  nor  let  your  eyes  wander  about 
the  house,  but  pay  heed  to  what  is  said,  with 
blithe  visage  and  diligent  spirit.  When  ye 
answer,  ye  shall  be  ready  with  what  ye  shall 
say,  and  speak  "things  fructuous,"  and  give 
your  reasons  smoothly,  in  words  that  are 
gentle  but  compendious,  for  many  words  are 
right  tedious  to  the  wise  man  who  listens ; 
therefore  eschew  them  with  diligence. 

Take  no  seat,  but  be  ready  to  stand  until 
you  are  bidden  to  sit  down.      Keep  your 

[13] 


hands  and  feet  at  rest;  do  not  claw  your 
flesh  or  lean  against  a  post,  in  the  presence 
of  your  lord,  or  handle  anything  belonging 
to  the  house. 

Make  obeisance  to  your  lord  always  when 
you  answer;  otherwise,  stand  as  still  as  a 
stone,  unless  he  speak. 

Look  with  one  accord  that  if  ye  see  any 
person  better  than  yourself  come  in,  ye  go 
backwards  anon  and  give  him  place,  and  in 
nowise  turn  your  face  from  him,  as  far  forth 
as  you  may. 

If  you  see  your  lord  drinking,  keep  silence, 
without  loud  laughter,  chattering,  whispering, 
joking  or  other  insolence. 

If  he  command  you  to  sit  in  his  presence, 
fulfil  his  wish  at  once,  and  strive  not  with 
another  about  your  seat. 

When  you  are  set  down,  tell  no  dishonest 
tale ;  eschew  also,  with  all  your  might,  to  be 
scornful;  and  let  your  cheer  be  humble,  blithe, 
and  merry,  not  chiding  as  if  ye  were  ready 
for  a  fight. 

If  you  perceive  that  your  better  is  pleased 
to  commend  you,  rise  up  anon  and  thank 
him  heartily. 

Ch] 


If  you  see  your  lord  and  lady  speaking  of 
household  matters,  leave  them  alone,  for  that 
is  courtesy,  and  interfere  not  with  their  doing; 
but  be  ready,  without  feigning,  to  do  your 
lord  service,  and  so  shall  you  get  a  good  name. 

Also,  to  fetch  him  drink,  to  hold  the  light 
when  it  is  time,  and  to  do  whatsoever  ought 
to  be  done,  look  ye  be  ready ;  for  so  shall  ye 
full  soon  get  a  gentle  name  in  nurture.  And 
if  you  should  ask  a  boon  of  God,  you  can  desire 
no  better  thing  than  to  be  well-mannered. 

If  your  lord  is  pleased  to  offer  you  his 
own  cup  to  drink,  rise  when  you  take  it,  and 
receive  it  goodly  with  both  your  hands,  and 
when  you  have  done,  proffer  it  to  no  man 
else,  but  render  it  again  to  him  that  brought 
it,  for  in  nowise  should  it  be  used  commonly 
— so  wise  men  teach  us. 

Now  must  I  tell  you  shortly  what  you 
shall  do  at  noon  when  your  lord  goes  to  his 
meat.  Be  ready  to  fetch  him  clear  water, 
and  some  of  you  hold  the  towel  for  him  until 
he  has  done,  and  leave  not  until  he  be  set 
down,  and  ye  have  heard  grace  said.  Stand 
before  him  until  he  bids  you  sit,  and  be  al- 
ways ready  to  serve  him  with  clean  hands. 

[15] 


When  ye  be  set,  keep  your  own  knife  clean 
and  sharp,  that  so  ye  may  carve  honestly 
your  own  meat. 

Let  courtesy  and  silence  dwell  with  you, 
and  tell  no  foul  tales  to  another. 

Cut  your  bread  with  your  knife  and  break 
it  not.  Lay  a  clean  trencher  before  you, 
and  when  your  pottage  is  brought,  take  your 
spoon  and  eat  quietly  ;  and  do  not  leave  your 
spoon  in  the  dish,  I  pray  you. 

Look  ye  be  not  caught  leaning  on  the 
table,  and  keep  clear  of  soiling  the  cloth. 

Do  not  hang  your  head  over  your  dish, 
or  in  any  wise  drink  with  full  mouth. 

Keep  from  picking  your  nose,  your  teeth, 
your  nails  at  meal-time — so  we  are  taught. 

Advise  you  against  taking  so  muckle  meat 
into  your  mouth  but  that  ye  may  right  well 
answer  when  men  speak  to  you. 

When  ye  shall  drink,  wipe  your  mouth 
clean  with  a  cloth,  and  your  hands  also,  so 
that  you  shall  not  in  any  way  soil  the  cup, 
for  then  shall  none  of  your  companions  be 
loth  to  drink  with  you. 

Likewise,  do  not  touch  the  salt  in  the  salt- 
cellar with  any  meat;  but  lay  salt  honestly 
on  your  trencher,  for  that  is  courtesy. 

[1 6] 


Do  not  carry  your  knife  to  your  mouth 
with  food,  or  hold  the  meat  with  your  hands 
in  any  wise ;  and  also  if  divers  good  meats 
are  brought  to  you,  look  that  with  all  cour- 
tesy ye  assay  of  each;  and  if  your  dish  be 
taken  away  with  its  meat  and  another  brought 
courtesy  demands  that  ye  shall  let  it  go  and 
not  ask  for  it  back  again. 

And  if  strangers  be  set  at  table  with  you, 
and  savoury  meat  be  brought  or  sent  to  you, 
make  them  good  cheer  with  part  of  it,  for 
certainly  it  is  not  polite  when  others  be  pres- 
ent at  meat  with  you,  to  keep  all  that  is 
brought  you,  and  like  churls  vouchsafe  noth- 
ing to  others. 

Do  not  cut  your  meat  like  field-men  who 
have  such  an  appetite  that  they  reck  not  in 
what  wise,  where  or  when  or  how  ungoodly 
they  hack  at  their  meat ;  but,  sweet  children, 
have  always  your  delight  in  courtesy  and  in 
gentleness,  and  eschew  boisterousness  with  all 
your  might. 

When  cheese  is  brought,  have  a  clean 
trencher,  on  which  with  a  clean  knife  ye  may 
cut  it ;  and  in  your  feeding  look  ye  appear 
goodly,  and  keep  your  tongue  from  jangling, 

[17] 


for  so  indeed  shall  ye  deserve  a  name  for 
gentleness  and  good  governance,  and  always 
advance  yourself  in  virtue. 

When  the  end  of  the  meal  is  come,  clean 
your  knives,  and  look  you  put  them  up 
where  they  ought  to  be,  and  keep  your 
seat  until  you  have  washed,  for  so  wills 
honesty. 

When  ye  have  done,  look  then  that  ye 
rise  up  without  laughter  or  joking  or  boister- 
ous word,  and  go  to  your  lord's  table,  and 
there  stand,  and  pass  not  from  him  until  grace 
be  said  and  brought  to  an  end. 

Then  some  of  you  should  go  for  water, 
some  hold  the  cloth,  some  pour  upon  his 
hands. 

Other  things  I  might  commend  you  to  do, 
but  as  my  time  is  brief,  I  put  them  not  into 
this  little  report ;  but  overpass  them,  praying 
with  a  spirit  that  rejoices  in  this  labour,  that 
no  man  abuse  me ;  but  where  too  little  is,  let 
him  add  more,  and  where  too  much,  let  him 
take  away,  for  though  I  would,  time  forbids 
that  I  say  more.  Therefore  I  take  my  leave, 
and  inscribe  this  book  to  every  wight  whom 
it  may  please  to  correct  it. 

[1 8] 


And,  sweet  children,  for  love  of  whom  I 
write,  1  beseech  you,  with  very  loving  heart, 
that  you  set  your  delight  upon  knowing  this 
book ;  and  may  Almighty  God  that  suffered 
bitter  pains,  make  you  so  expert  in  courtesy 
that  through  your  nurture  and  your  govern- 
ance you  may  advance  yourselves  to  lasting 
bliss. 


[19] 


OP   THIS   BOOK  ISO   COPIES  WERE   PRINTED   FOR 

THOMAS  NAST  FAIRBANKS  BY  THE  MARCHBANKS  PRESS 

IN  DECEMBER, NINETEEN  HUNDRED  AND  THIRTEEN 


^  ■;  V-  ^■■t,,:  t^g?^'  ^-^^^iWvW^^m^ 


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